Behind-the-Scenes Olympics Careers

Behind-the-Scenes Olympics Careers was originally published on College Recruiter.

Let’s be honest, no matter how much watching the Olympics makes us think we can become a famous snowboarder, skier or figure skater, only a few of us are destined to become Olympic athletes.
But as you watch the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and cheer for those who are at the top of their sport (like how Lindsey Vonn wowed me with her gold medal in skiing), you may notice that it takes so much more than athletes to pull an Olympics off.
In honor of the 2010 Olympics, here are behind-the-scenes careers that can be essential in big international events like the Games.

1. Broadcasting: Say what you will about how NBC is broadcasting the Winter Olympic results (it’s so hard to keep from learning who won before seeing the action on TV), but if it weren’t for those in the broadcast industry, we wouldn’t be planted on the couch for days watching the Opening Ceremony, tear-jerking medal ceremonies, and incredible competitions this month.
2. Journalism: Some of our friends are in Vancouver writing about athletes like Apolo Ohno and Shaun White, and covering all aspects of the games, for newspapers, magazines, and Web sites. Photographers are snapping shots of victories, upsets and the daily excitement of the games for the Olympic committee, media and companies like those who sponsor the athletes.
3. Lighting design: The lighting helped make the Opening Ceremonies a memorable moment, along with those involved in the sets, in the choreography, and working as dancers and performers during the ceremony and other events. Lighting designers also are crucial for viewers to see what’s happening at individual venues like the nighttime men’s half pipe snowboarding competition, too.
4. Athletic training: The education offered by sports management programs can land people jobs as trainers, who are vital to the athletes in preparation of and during the games.
5. Graphic design: The logos, merchandise and more for the Olympics require a cohesive look that graphic designers help create.
6. Event planning: Orchestrating a major event like the Olympics takes people who are knowledgable about conceiving, planning and pulling off everything from individual competitions to the much-watched Opening Ceremony.
7. Advertising: The endorsements from popular athletes for major corporations and ads shown in between the competition is crucial for businesses who see the Olympic audience as one they want to reach. They rely on advertising agencies and professionals who know how to create ads that play up the emotion and joy of the Games.
8. Food and beverage services: There’s a huge need to provide the food for the athletes, spectators and workers during the games, and pursuing the education provided by a culinary program can lead to employment for companies that get the Olympic-sized jobs.
9. Security: Keeping the Olympic venues secure is critical, so when looking at the field of law enforcement, consider that it’s more than just keeping your local community safe but you could be called on to assist during larger events, too.
10. Fashion design: From Ralph Lauren’s uniforms and apparel for the USA team to the aerodynamic suits for speed skaters to the sparkly outfits worn by figure skaters, there’s plenty of opportunity for those wanting to use fashion design to help athletes perform better, and look good while they’re doing so.
So, be inspired by the time and effort that the athletes have put into their sport, and you may find yourself on the job at a future Olympics.
Article by, Lori Johnston and courtesy of CollegeSurfing Insider.

By College Recruiter
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